Thief River Falls Meth Pipe Report Leads to Charge

Thief River Falls Meth Pipe Report Leads to Charge

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Newfolden man faces a felony drug charge after an early morning report.

Police received a call around 4:56 a.m. on June 26. The caller reported a broken meth pipe outside Northdale Main.

Erick Carl Longo, 50, was arrested and charged with a third-degree controlled substance crime. The charge alleges meth possession in a public housing and school zone.

Surveillance Video Reviewed

According to the criminal complaint, a store manager allowed police to review surveillance video.

The video allegedly showed Longo dropping items near the manager’s office.

Longo then appeared to pick up a sunglasses case and a glass smoking device. Police searched the area where the items had fallen.

An officer allegedly found a piece of glass with burned residue. A field test indicated the possible presence of methamphetamine.

Police then approached Longo’s vehicle. Longo reportedly refused a vehicle search without a warrant.

The vehicle was seized as part of the investigation. Police also showed Longo an image from the store’s surveillance system.

Longo then led the police to a sunglasses case. The case allegedly matched the one shown in the video.

Inside, police reported finding a crystal-like substance. A field test indicated the possible presence of methamphetamine.

Longo also allegedly had a butane torch lighter. He declined a request to provide a urine sample.

The complaint states the store sits within 300 feet of Riverside Terrace. It is also near the Northwest Area Learning Center.

Vehicle and Trash Bags Searched

Investigators later searched Longo’s vehicle. They allegedly found two glass pipes containing burned residue.

Both pipes produced presumptive positive field tests for methamphetamine. Police also searched and seized trash bags.

Investigators allegedly found more glass pieces with burned residue. One piece also produced a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.

Jail Calls Cited in Complaint

The complaint also describes recorded jail phone calls. During one call, a woman allegedly discussed Longo’s drug activity and arrest.

During another call, she said Longo had lost his job. She reportedly said a customer saw the pipe break.

Longo allegedly confirmed that account. Police later seized his cellphone because the calls referenced possible drug dealing.

Longo has been charged, but the allegations have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless found guilty.

Readers can review Minnesota’s third-degree controlled substance law. Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.